UPSC

1. Stages of Examination

Preliminary Examination (Prelims)

Objective type (Multiple Choice Questions - MCQs).
Consists of two papers: General Studies Paper-I and General Studies Paper-II (CSAT).
Paper-I covers subjects like History, Geography, Polity, Economy, Environment, Science and Technology, etc.
Paper-II (CSAT) tests aptitude and comprehension skills.
Both papers are of 200 marks each.
Paper-II (CSAT) is qualifying in nature (33% marks required).

Main Examination (Mains)

Descriptive type (essay/answers).
Consists of 9 papers (7 are counted for merit):
1. Paper A: Indian Language (qualifying)
2. Paper B: English (Qualifying)
3. Papers I to VII: General Studies (each paper 250 marks)
4. Papers VIII & IX: Optional subjects (each paper 250 marks)
Papers include subjects like Essay, GS (I to IV), and Optional subjects chosen by the candidate.
The total marks for mains is 1750 (excluding language papers).

Personality Test (Interview)

Conducted for candidates who qualify in the Mains exam.
Tests candidates' personality, aptitude, and suitability for a career in public service.
Marks allotted for the interview are 275.

2. Language of Examination

Preliminary exam: Bilingual (English and Hindi).
Main exam: Candidates can choose the language of their answer paper for Papers A and B (Indian Language and English).

3. Marking Scheme

Each correct answer in Prelims carries +2 marks.
Negative marking: 1/3rd of the marks assigned to that question (0.66 marks deducted for each wrong answer).

4. Duration

Prelims: Each paper is of 2 hours duration.
Mains: Each paper varies in duration (usually 3 hours per paper).

5. Optional Subjects

Candidates choose one optional subject from a list of subjects provided by UPSC.
Examples of optional subjects include History, Geography, Public Administration, Sociology, Political Science, etc.

6. Syllabus

The syllabus for both Prelims and Mains covers a wide range of topics related to Indian and World History, Geography, Polity, Economy, Environment, Science and Technology, Current Affairs, etc.

7. Qualifying Criteria

Candidates must qualify each stage of the examination (Prelims, Mains, and Interview) separately.

8. Final Merit List

The final merit list is prepared based on marks obtained in the Main Examination (written exam) and Interview (Personality Test).

Paper I: General Studies

Current events of national and international importance
History of India and Indian National Movement
Indian and World Geography - Physical, Social, Economic Geography of India sand the World
Indian Polity and Governance - Constitution, Political System, Panchayati Raj, Public Policy, Rights Issues, etc.
Economic and Social Development - Sustainable Development, Poverty, Inclusion, Demographics, Social Sector Initiatives, etc.
Environmental Ecology, Biodiversity & Climate Change - General issues on Environmental Ecology, Bio-diversity and Climate Change - that do not require subject specialization
General Science

Paper II: CSAT (Civil Services Aptitude Test)

Comprehension
Interpersonal skills including communication skills
Logical reasoning and analytical ability
Decision-making and problem-solving
General mental ability
Basic numeracy (numbers and their relations, orders of magnitude, etc.) (Class X level), Data interpretation (charts, graphs, tables, data sufficiency, etc. - Class X level)

1. Paper A: Indian Language (Qualifying)

This paper tests the candidate's ability to read and understand serious discursive prose, and to express his ideas clearly and correctly, in English and Indian language concerned.

2. Paper B: English (Qualifying)

This paper tests the candidate's ability to read and understand serious discursive prose, and to express his ideas clearly and correctly, in English.

3. Paper I: Essay

Candidates will be required to write essays on multiple topics. They will be expected to keep closely to the subject of the essay to arrange their ideas in orderly fashion, and to write concisely. Credit will be given for effective and exact expression.

4. Paper II: General Studies I

Indian Heritage and Culture, History, and Geography of the World and Society.
1. Indian culture will cover the salient aspects of Art Forms, Literature, and Architecture from ancient to modern times.
2. Modern Indian history from about the middle of the eighteenth century until the present- significant events, personalities, issues.
3. The Freedom Struggle - its various stages and important contributors/contributions from different parts of the country.
4. Post-independence consolidation and reorganization within the country.
5. History of the world will include events from 18th century such as industrial revolution, world wars, redrawal of national boundaries, colonization, decolonization, political philosophies like communism, capitalism, socialism etc.- their forms and effect on the society.

5. Paper III: General Studies II

Governance, Constitution, Polity, Social Justice, and International relations.
1. Indian Constitution- historical underpinnings, evolution, features, amendments, significant provisions, and basic structure.
2. Functions and responsibilities of the Union and the States, issues, and challenges pertaining to the federal structure, devolution of powers and finances up to local levels and challenges therein.
3. Separation of powers between various organs dispute redressal mechanisms and institutions.
4. Comparison of the Indian constitutional scheme with that of other countries.
5. Parliament and State Legislatures- structure, functioning, conduct of business, powers & privileges and issues arising out of these.
6. Structure, organization and functioning of the Executive and the Judiciary Ministries and Departments of the Government; pressure groups and formal/informal associations and their role in the Polity.
7. Salient features of the Representation of People’s Act.

6. Paper IV: General Studies III

Technology, Economic Development, Bio-diversity, Environment, Security and Disaster Management.
1. Indian Economy and issues relating to planning, mobilization of resources, growth, development, and employment.
2. Inclusive growth and issues arising from it.
3. Government Budgeting.
4. Major crops cropping patterns in various parts of the country, different types of irrigation and irrigation systems storage transport and marketing of agricultural produce and issues and related constraints; e-technology in the aid of farmers.
5. Issues related to direct and indirect farm subsidies and minimum support prices; Public Distribution System- objectives, functioning, limitations, revamping; issues of buffer stocks and food security; Technology missions; economics of animal-rearing.
6. Food processing and related industries in India- scope and significance, location, upstream and downstream requirements, supply chain management.
7. Land reforms in India.
8. Effects of liberalization on the economy, changes in industrial policy and their effects on industrial growth.
9. Infrastructure: Energy, Ports, Roads, Airports, Railways, etc.
10. Investment models.
11. Science and Technology- developments and their applications and effects in everyday life Achievements of Indians in science & technology; indigenization of technology and developing new technology.

7. Paper V: General Studies IV

Ethics, Integrity, and Aptitude.
1. This paper will include questions to test the candidates’ attitude and approach to issues relating to integrity, probity in public life and his problem solving approach to various issues and conflicts faced by him in dealing with society. Questions may utilize the case study approach to determine these aspects.

8. Papers VI & VII: Optional Subject

Candidates may choose any optional subject from the list provided by UPSC. Each optional subject consists of two papers (Paper VI and Paper VII), each of 250 marks.
1. The list of optional subjects includes subjects like History, Geography, Public Administration, Sociology, Political Science and International Relations, Philosophy, Anthropology, Commerce and Accountancy, Mathematics, etc.

UPSC CSE Exam Pattern